THE USE of cyclosporine as a maintenance agent for the treatment of psoriasis is discussed by Ellis et al1 in this issue of the Archives. However, cyclosporine is not a medication that every dermatologist feels comfortable using. For many practicing dermatologists, the question regarding the use of cyclosporine in dermatology is not how to use cyclosporine, but whether to use cyclosporine. Obviously, this article is relevant only for those who believe that it is worthwhile to learn to use this agent. In the dermatology community as a whole, there is much fear regarding the use of cyclosporine. A practitioner who has never seriously considered using this medication might worry that some patients may somehow end up with irreversible kidney damage or lymphoma. There is also much confusion regarding the optimal way to use this medication. For example, should it be used on a short-term basis at high doses or